Frontal bossing is an unusually prominent forehead, sometimes associated with a heavier than normal brow ridge.

Considerations:

Frontal bossing is seen only in a few rare syndromes, including acromegaly, a chronic disorder caused by too much growth hormone, which leads to enlargement of the bones of the face, jaw, hands, feet, and skull.

An infant or child with frontal bossing generally has other symptoms and signs that, when taken together, define a specific syndrome or condition. The diagnosis is based on a family history, medical history, and thorough physical evaluation.

Medical history questions documenting frontal bossing in detail may include:

When did you first notice that the forehead appeared unusually prominent?

What other symptoms are present?

Have you noticed any other unusual physical characteristics?

Has a disorder been identified as the cause of the frontal bossing?

If so, what was the diagnosis?

Laboratory studies may be ordered to confirm the presence of a suspected disorder.